The devastating effects of Storm Boris have intensified across central Europe, with the death toll now reaching at least 23 people. Czech authorities have confirmed the discovery of a fourth victim amid widespread flooding and torrential rain that has affected several countries.
In the Czech Republic, the storm’s impact has been particularly severe. Czech police spokesman Jakub Vincalek reported that a 70-year-old woman from Kobylá nad Vidnavkou, who had been missing since Sunday, was found deceased. She was discovered entangled in a fence near her destroyed home, which had been inundated by the Vidnavka River. Eight individuals are still missing in the country.
The flooding has wreaked havoc across central Europe, leading to the destruction of homes, disruption of transportation networks, and widespread power outages. Volunteers and emergency teams worked through the night to bolster flood defenses in the Polish city of WrocÅ‚aw. Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the situation as a “crucial period” and urged for urgent information on flood-affected areas.
In Poland, over 14,000 soldiers have been deployed to assist with the crisis, utilizing helicopters for evacuations and drones for monitoring. Wrocław is expected to experience peak floodwaters tomorrow. The Polish government has allocated 2 billion zlotys (€468 million) for flood relief and is considering price controls to address rising costs in affected areas. Additionally, mortgage payments for flooded properties will be covered by the government for a year.
Hungary is also grappling with severe flooding. Authorities have opened a dam in the northwest to divert water from the Lajta River, aiming to protect the city of Mosonmagyaróvár. In Budapest, the Danube is projected to peak at around 8.5 meters, with the critical period expected to begin shortly. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán described the situation as “critical” and emphasized ongoing flood protection efforts.
In Austria, Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced an expansion of the federal disaster fund to €1 billion in response to the flooding. The fund will support preventive measures and repair efforts. Additionally, political parties have suspended campaign activities for the upcoming parliamentary elections to focus on disaster relief.
Pope Francis expressed solidarity with those affected, offering prayers for victims and their families during his weekly audience. As central Europe continues to battle the aftermath of Storm Boris, the full extent of the damage and recovery needs remains an ongoing challenge.